According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, poor diet quality is a leading risk factor associated with death and disability in the United States.  Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet can help protect against a number of serious and costly chronic diseases. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistant in Rockcastle County, Kentucky provided a seven week program at the Rockcastle Extension Office using the Healthy Choices curriculum. A lesson on planning meals was taught with a focus on vegetables. The goal was to help participants recognize the important role of vegetables in the diet.   

7 participants completed the seven week series. At the post evaluation, 86% reported they were eating vegetables more often each day. Through recipe tastings and weekly education, participants saw a need to increase vegetables in their daily diets to prevent chronic diseases.